The Colorado River’s southern shores are home to some of Austin’s most treasured green space. And the fast-growing neighborhoods lining those shores are the site of dynamic service and retail activity. As a result, there are plenty of exciting ways to pass time in and around the South Shore District. The next time you want to make the most of a day off without venturing far from your South Shore apartment rental, consider these worthwhile experiences.
Relax or recreate at Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake, the easternmost reservoir along Texas’ Colorado River, was designed as a power plant cooling pond. Now an integral part of Austin’s flood control infrastructure, the lake is an urban oasis for recreation and relaxation. You can get your endorphin rush with a kayak ride or a run along the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail. Paddleboarding is also popular, with South Shore operators like Zen Paddleboards offering board rental and lessons for novices. On pleasant evenings between March and November, you can marvel at Austin’s famous Congress Bridge bat swarm from a boat on the lake.
Swim in Barton Creek Pool
Zilker Metropolitan Park‘s 350 acres are home to miles of hiking trail, a disc golf course, one of Austin’s most popular children’s playgrounds and the Zilker Zephyr miniature train. The park’s Rowing Dock offers rentals and instruction for paddle boards, paddle boats and kayaks. But if there’s one activity to experience in “Austin’s most loved park,” it’s a swim in Barton Creek Pool. Fed with natural spring water, the pool maintains a temperature between 68-72 degrees year-round.
Check out the South Austin brew scene
As in much of the country, the microbrew scene in Austin is thriving. A couple miles from South Shore on the 71 is a string of successful microbreweries, including Independence, Orf, Skull Mechanix, St. Elmo and (512) Brewing. Hopping between them is easy. Closer to Austin’s South Shore, you can enjoy beers from these and other local breweries at Whip In Convenience Store and Pub.
Get festive at Auditorium Shores
Technically a part of Town Lake Park, Auditorium Shores was created in 1959 and started hosting festival events not long after. For decades, Auditorium Shores has been an integral venue for Austin’s famous South by Southwest and other major music festivals. Auditorium Shores also hosts a handful of other major events, including the Austin + Food & Wine Festival. Auditorium Shores is a five-minute drive from AMLI South Shore and less than 10 minutes’ walk from AMLI’s downtown Austin apartments.
Enjoy live music in a more intimate setting
If you want to hear live music but don’t feel like dealing with the crowds at Auditorium Shores, there are several other options in Austin’s South Shore neighborhoods. Popular live music venues Emo’s and The Jackalope South Shore are less than 10 minutes’ walk from AMLI’s South Shore District apartment rentals. South Congress’ iconic Continental Club is just a five-minute drive from.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst